Lightweight Gear for the Mountain Man

by
posted on February 21, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
201222114383-lightweight_gear_mountain_hunting_home.jpg

Want to hunt up high where the sheep, goats and early-season elk live? Along with a little summer exercise, this lightweight clothing and gear will help get you there.

1. We found Sitka Gear’s Stormfront Lite Jacket and Pant offer a much better range of motion and comfort compared to the rigidity of other raingear. They’re very packable, feature welded zippers and together weigh less than 2 pounds.

2. Cabela’s Polartec Power Dry base layers are moisture-wicking and coated in an anti-microbial treatment so you don’t arrive at the summit with that “not so fresh” feeling.

3. At 5 pounds, 1 ounce, Schnee’s Hunter II boots lack the heft of traditional pac boots. An aggressive sole prevents slipping down the mountain and a removable felt/wool quilted liner warms the toes at altitude.

4. Leica says its 18.9-ounce, 8x32 Ultravid not only sports great glass but is the lightest 8x32 binocular on the market.

5. The Buck Commander BlackTimber pack boasts 2,557 cubic inches of cargo space efficiently arranged in an assortment of pockets. An adjustable waist strap adds load-bearing support and MOLLE-compatible webbing allows for the attachment of accessories.

Latest

LEDE Hunter With Deer, Past And Present
LEDE Hunter With Deer, Past And Present

Member's Hunt: The Spot

Back in 1963, my dad asked if I wanted to go deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (what we locals call the U.P.). We had no tent, no camper and no cabin, although we did have a horse truck, and we converted it into a deer camp. Read on for this week's Member's Hunt, from Jim Mikkelsen.

Late Season Decoy Mix

In the final days of duck season, don’t be afraid to change the look of your decoy spreads. Be it a simple alteration or a bold move, a different presentation can be all it takes to provide a strong finish to the season.

New for 2026: Stealth Cam 3.0 Tail Cameras

Stealth Cam has announced its 3.0 trail camera line, with some major tech-forward improvements over its previous generations. Designed for hunters and wildlife managers, these cameras introduce a suite of technologies designed to push surveillance capabilities to the next level, all accessible through the Command app.

Kifaru Launches New Hunting Apparel System

“This system is a purpose-driven solution for the tough environments and unpredictable scenarios outdoor enthusiasts’ encounter. Every piece was designed to help hunters meet those challenges head on.”

Hardware Review: Sierra MatchKing X

Sierra MatchKing bullets have been setting the accuracy standard for handloaders since the Truman administration. Now, they have redesigned their classic MatchKing bullet for hunting, with a softer lead core, tapered jacket and a skived nose to help it expand. They call the bullet the MatchKing X (MKX).

New for 2026: Lapua TRX Tipped

Lapua has expanded its True-Range Expanding (TRX) family of products to include several new ammunition offerings.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.